Runbox review
A mature private email host with broad protocol support, but only 2 GB on its entry plan.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Runbox is a Norway-based private email service for individuals, families and teams. It combines webmail with custom-domain hosting, aliases, spam and virus filtering, two-factor authentication, encrypted connections, and access through IMAP, POP and SMTP. Integrated contacts and calendars support CardDAV and CalDAV synchronization, while import tools help bring email, contacts and calendar data into the service. Its long operating history since 2000 makes it suited to users seeking a mature private hosting option rather than a free mailbox.
The six paid plans scale storage and domain capacity. Micro costs €1.66 per user per month when billed annually and includes 2 GB, one email domain, 100 @runbox aliases and unlimited aliases on an own domain. Mini is €2.91 for 10 GB and five domains; Medium is €4.16 for 25 GB and 10 domains; Max is €6.66 for 50 GB and 25 domains. Max100 costs €10 for 100 GB and 50 domains, while Max250 costs €15 for 250 GB and 100 domains. Every listed plan includes 100 @runbox aliases and unlimited aliases on an own domain. A 30-day free trial is available.
Runbox fits established mail workflows through IMAP, POP and SMTP, with named compatibility for Apple Mail, Thunderbird, K-9 Mail and eM Client. Web, iOS and Android access broadens device coverage, while calendar and contact synchronization add useful productivity services around the mailbox. Full-disk encryption, encrypted connections and two-factor authentication strengthen its privacy posture. The main trade-off is scale at the entry tier: users with large storage needs may need a higher plan, and anyone seeking a free mailbox should choose another provider. Runbox is a strong fit for custom-domain users who value protocol flexibility and privacy features.
Runbox pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Custom domains with unlimited aliases on your own domain
- IMAP, POP, SMTP, CalDAV and CardDAV support
- Filtering, encryption, two-factor authentication and import tools
- Where it doesn't
- The Micro plan provides only 2 GB of email storage
- There is no free plan
- Listed plan prices require annual billing
Runbox fact sheet, pricing and score →
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